Psalm 40
Hi! My name is Steve and I’m often depressed and anxious. For a number of years, I was afraid to share that information. A number of years ago after I shared this information I was taken aside by a colleague (who has since asked for my forgiveness) and told that real believers never experienced such things. Occasionally I hear believers express similar statements. After all, they reason, the victorious Christian life has no room for such negative experiences.
One reason I am drawn to the Psalms is that the psalmists often express anxiety, depression, despair, and even feelings of self-loathing. Thank God for the brave honesty of a shepherd turned King who unashamedly wrote of his own experiences. I cannot count the number of hours, days, weeks, and yes, even months, when Psalm 40 has captured where I live.
David’s experience described succinctly in Psalm 40:1-3, describes a process. Though it takes but seconds to read the words I’d guess that the experience lasted longer than mere seconds. I am reminded that no matter how dark circumstances appear God is never absent. God is not limited by my circumstances. The solid place I need as the darkness recedes is always available because God is never absent.
Like me, David appears to veer between his confidence in God’s presence and his concern for stability and safety. Threaded between these extremes the psalm confirms one unmistakable and unchangeable reality: God is never absent. God’s presence is constant. Our circumstances change, but God’s presence and power are available – “I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me. You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.” (Psalm 40:17, HCSB).
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 